Space Innovation Powers $5 Billion in Revenue and 25,000 Jobs in Canada

Image Credit, Adis Resic

Canada’s space sector contributed $3.2 billion to the national GDP in 2022, according to the latest State of the Canadian Space Sector Report. The report, released at the Spacebound conference in Ottawa, also highlighted over $5 billion in revenue generated by the industry and more than 25,000 jobs supported nationwide.

The government is investing $15 million into 22 projects across 16 organizations to push forward advancements in satellite navigation, quantum technologies, Earth observation, and lunar exploration. These projects aim to drive innovation in areas like future rover mission designs.

Over 80% of the projects will be spearheaded by small and medium-sized enterprises, many collaborating with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the first time. These investments reflect ongoing efforts to support research and development in the sector, which sees a research intensity 13 times higher than the national manufacturing average.

The space industry has seen a 19% increase in its contribution to the GDP since 2018, with over 12,600 highly skilled jobs in fields such as science, engineering, and technology. Investments from the government since 2015, totaling more than $9 billion, have been critical in maintaining the vitality of space-related industries, which now focus on addressing challenges like climate change, disaster response, and improving remote healthcare and connectivity.

Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA, stated, “Space solutions power our daily lives, drive innovation, and create high-quality jobs in vibrant companies across Canada. These investments directly contribute to improving the lives of Canadians and position the country as a key player in the global space industry for the long term.”

The government’s Space Technology Development Program, active since 2008, has already awarded $200 million to over 100 organizations, resulting in the development of over 300 space-related technologies. The latest round of funding is expected to further enhance Canada’s role in both domestic and international space programs.

Continuous investments in space technologies, research, and innovation are setting the stage for long-term growth and securing the country’s position in the rapidly evolving global space landscape. The future demands focus, not on lofty goals, but on real-world advancements that can shape both space exploration and life on Earth.